With one of the most successful and beloved albums of the last decade, Cave In seem to be entering a new era, having evolved their sound and confronting the passage of time with the loss of Caleb.
In the following interview, JR shares the band's journey, his thoughts on the reception of their new album, and his experiences from the tour, while also touching on the special relationship they have with their fans, especially in Greece.
Save the Date:
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
CAVE IN w/ Half Gramme of Soma @ Kyttaro Club, Athens
powered by: Smoke The Fuzz Gigs
RockOverdose: First of all I must congratulate you because “Heavy Pendulum” is one of the best albums I’ve heard in ages and especially this decade. How did you perceive it as a creation after all that followed and whatt’s the vibe of its acceptance all these years?
JR (CAVE IN): Thanks so much! I’d say we’re very proud of what we accomplished with the record. We had just finished a few small tours focused in tribute to Caleb, and all of a sudden the world shut down as the pandemic hit. Heavy Pendulum was written during the period of time that everyone was quarantined with seeing only family and a select few friends. We decided to use that time to get in the room and write. It was super helpful in managing the stress and anxieties of the times. In the end I think it was well received!
RockOverdose: You know, there’s always been a thing with Cave In, being a band with many great works. So even if “Antenna” was the main point of conversation, all people would find a specific favorite moment, that’s a blessing for me concerning a band. How does it feel that you have many albums of pure worth, not overshadowing each other?
JR (CAVE IN): It feels like big snapshots of our history. We’ve been a band for decades now, I don’t think we could’ve done that without trying to reshape and update our music.
RockOverdose: I will share with you a comment from someone I know that loves you very much when “Heavy Pendulum” was released. He said it was so great, and after all that happened with Caleb, you shouldn’t release any other album, as you honored him the best possible way. It has a finality but he told it with love. Have you found familiar comments showcasing the latest album’s value?
JR (CAVE IN): Not really, it seems like most people are very supportive and encouraging when it comes to new music from Cave In. Keeping this band going without Caleb is also the best way to honor his spirit and serves as a guidepost when writing new material.
RockOverdose: We also have the mighty Nate Newton, a beastly force of nature with you. How did the function in the band change with his presence and what extra elements has he added for the band? Isn’t it amazing to have him with you?
JR (CAVE IN): It’s great to have him in the band. He was also a close friend and band mate with Caleb, so he really has a deep connection with the band in that way.
RockOverdose: The title of the latest album sounds as if there’s a burden on some shoulders, affected by time, or facts taking place in a certain period. How easy is to carry that burden and how can you know it’s time to let it loose to go forward?
JR (CAVE IN): I remember suggesting we use the name, which was among a list of other possible titles, because it made me think of the nature of life and our experiences on this earth. The duality of the good and bad moments that shape our time. The weight of these things seem to swing heavily from points of extreme joy and sadness, with the varying levels of intensity between.
RockOverdose: Αnother key aspect was the change of record company, since you entered Relapse, something that made a lot of people happy. In my opinion the album was promoted highly and heavily as it should. How do you see their work and your relation with them and what’s the differences compared to the past?
JR (CAVE IN): Relapse has been great to work with. They brought a renewed excitement to the whole process that helped fuel the record. Couldn’t be happier. I also don’t think it’s worth comparing the experience to any other in past. Completely different times and circumstances.
RockOverdose: So we have 25 years of “Juputer”, time flies indeed. How did you decide to play it as a whole? Does it mean a little more to you compared to the old albums? If yes why? If not, why this whole approach of it? Which are your memories from its creation and what casts it important for you?
JR (CAVE IN): We performed “Until Your Heart Stops” on its anniversary, and so we already started thinking of doing the same for “Jupiter”. Roadburn offered to host us for a Jupiter set. So, after putting in all the work to relearn the record, we decided to make a run of it. Jupiter is a very important record for us, as much as UYHS was. Both marked a transition period for the band.
RockOverdose: I was always curious since you took part in side projects how did you know it was the right time to focus on Cave In or the other bands and with so much information and parallel work, when was it known that a song will be for Cave In or any other of the bands involved?
JR (CAVE IN): Usually it comes down to everyone being available to focus on writing. Then we can get into a stretch of time where most material gets written. But you can sometimes visualize which idea would work best for each project. They are pretty distinct from one another at this point.
RockOverdose: Also, aside from playing “Jupiter”, we’re seeing you FINALLY in Greece and with a special “not only Jupiter” set for us. How does it feel every time you play in a new place? Has Nate told you what to wait as Greeks can be quite freaks on live occasions? How did we manage to enjoy the privilege of a full and special set?
JR (CAVE IN): The intention behind the varied set really is due to this being the first time to Greece. We wanted to give people a taste of all the different things Cave In has to offer. I have also been to Greece with Nate once before in Doomriders, so I’m looking forward to visiting again!
RockOverdose: We’d like to thank you deeply for your time and wish you all the best, and a speedy new release if possible. Could you tell us the possible future plans and what lies ahead for you? See you soon
JR (CAVE IN): Thank you! The plan is to start writing new material through the winter. How long that will take, who knows! -JR
On behalf of RockOverdose,
Questions: Aggelos Katsouras
Edit: Vivi Zapantiotou
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